Social researcher Dr. Rebecca Huntley is the author of “How to Talk About Climate Change in a Way that Makes a Difference.” Her advice about squabbling with your family about climate change: Don’t do it. She discusses the proper times, venues and techniques for climate conversations that really matter. Plus: Human-made stuff will soon outweigh all living things and Jared gives (satirical) tips for a greener holiday. (News starts at minute 0:43. Interview at 1:35. Commentary at 21:10.)
In this episode…
- Jared opens with his usual brief news report, this time with new research suggesting “anthropogenic matter,” i.e. human-made artifacts, will soon weigh 1 trillion tons — more than all living things on Earth.
- Next, Rebecca Huntley discusses how we as individuals can use our interactions with others to make a difference for the climate. She says, first, to pick your battles: Bring up the topic tactfully with your supervisor at work, at church or city council meetings — in contexts that will affect dollars and votes. Also, be sensitive to issues that are important to the one you’re speaking with — such as the economy, jobs or public health — and explain how they relate to climate change. And don’t forget to focus on positive opportunities rather than only the doom-and-gloom.
- Finally, Jared give his top ten every day things you can do to make the holiday a little greener, things like turning down the thermostat, using re-usable shopping bags, ending subsidies for the fossil fuel industry, and pressuring Brazil to protect the amazon — small things anyone can do. Ok, you caught us — these “tips” are a parody of how corporations shift responsibility away from tycoons and policymakers and onto individual consumers. But you can read our genuine lifestyle advice on our new Climate & Style newsletter and section.
